Frank Turner

Frank Turner MONROE - Mr. Frank Turner, 87, passed away Friday, November 29, 2013, en route to the hospital for respiratory failure. He was born July 01, 1926, in Jacksonville, IL, to the late Aileen Wilkie Turner and Frank Turner. Frank passed away merely hours after his wife of 65 years, Eleanor Witt Turner, passed away, not knowing of his wife's death. Mr. Turner is survived by his two children, Linda Turner Purser (Jimmy) of Marshville, Larry Edward Turner of Ocean Isle Beach; three grandchildren, Jason Eugene Jordan (Marci), Jennifer Jordan Gardner (Richard), and Jamie Everest Turner; step-grandchildren, Lisa Purser McClain (Sean), Sheila Purser Long (Jarrett); three great-grandchildren, Peyton "Miss P" Gardner, Ryker and Garrick Jordan; and five step-great-grandchildren, Richie Gardner, Dillon, Tyler, and Cooper McClain, and Katie Long. He is also survived by his brother, Charles Turner of Tampa, FL. Frank Turner worked for over 40 years for the Associated Press starting as a Copy Boy and working his way up to Chief of Communications. He often said his proudest moment on the job was February 20, 1962, when he set up the teletype machines at Cape Canaveral, FL; and because he was previously a teletype operator was allowed to type and send the copy of John Glenn's space shot when Glenn was the first American to orbit the earth. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Sunday at Gordon Funeral Service & Crematory in Monroe, NC. A Graveside service will be at 11:00 AM Monday at Lakeland Memorial Park, Monroe, NC The family of Mr. Turner wishes to thank the staff at Monroe Square, CMC Union Hospital, The Brian Center and Hospice of Charlotte for their compassionate care and service. Gordon Funeral Service & Crematory is caring for the Turner family. Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com.